14 YEARS OF EMPOWERMENT: MUJER HISPANA CT HONORS LATINA TRAILBLAZERS

The organization Mujer Hispana CT celebrated its 14th year by honoring women for their contributions to the community. Foto, Boceto Media

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For fourteen years, the annual Mujer Hispana Connecticut event has celebrated the strength, pride, and dedication of Latina women. This year, the celebration took place at Máncora Restaurant in the heart of Hartford, where eleven women were honored for their tireless service to the community.

“I feel so happy and proud to see so many people from the community come together,” said Yanina Cuentas, founder of Mujer Hispana Connecticut. “Eleven women with great talent and strength have pushed forward despite adversity.”

Many attendees said this isn’t just a yearly event, it’s a space for connection, where their united voices grow stronger, demanding to be heard and making history in the process.

Arlene Angel Trejo, a community leader with Make the Road CT, said, “I feel proud, and above all, I thank God for allowing me to be here to receive this recognition, and I thank the organization as well.”

Mary Sanhueza, a Latina motivator in Hartford, added, “Don’t give up. Ignore the people who say it can’t be done. Because in this country, if you dream it, you can achieve it, you just have to work really hard. Anything is possible.”



The event also showcased cultural unity, with tributes and performances from well-known artists in the Hispanic community.

Andean music artist Nelson Mena and his group Sin Fronteras became the first men to be honored for their contributions to Hispanic art in Connecticut.

“Culture allows us to have a deeper understanding of society and, above all, to share our stories and where we come from through music,” Mena said.

Organizers like Yolanda Colón see this event as a starting point to continue uniting voices across the state.

“Women are a powerful force, and we must come together with the shared purpose of moving our community forward,” said Colón.